The Health Care Assistant program requires students to achieve 70% (B-) or higher in every theory course and CR (credit) grade in HCAS 107 and practical experience courses to continue in the program and receive their credential. 

Students interested in applying should read the Health Care Assistant Program Student Handbook [PDF]

Prior to applying, please review the Health Care Assistant Program Expectations [PDF].

Important Documents

• English Competency Self-Declaration Form
• HCA Intake Package
• HCA CRC Instructions
• Ministry Consent for a CRC
• Immunization Record

Apply for Admission

Proof of completion of Grade 11 English, which may include:

• Grade 12 Dual Credit students or
• Grade 12 graduation for some band funding opportunities (please inquire for specifics) 
• Accuplacer Grade 11 level

If English is not your first language and you think you may encounter difficulties in your course work or in the clinical area (i.e. difficulties with communication in English, being assertive and confident in dealing with clinical situations relating to English language and/or your cultural background), you should make your course instructor aware of these possible difficulties and a Learning Assistance Specialist will be able to assist you.

1. A complete English Competency Self-Declaration Form [PDF].  Applicants with less than seven years of education in an English-speaking environment and/or less than four consecutive years of education in an English-speaking environment at the secondary or post-secondary level will require one of the following standardized English language proficiency tests as set by the BC Care Aide & Community Health Worker Registry:
   • The Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL): Test must be within the last two years, IBT only—overall score of 76 with no score lower than 20 in speaking and listening and no score lower than 18 in Reading and Writing.
   • International English Language Testing System (IELTS): Academic or general: test must be within the last two years: overall score of 6 with a minimum of 6 in Speaking and Listening and no score lower than 5.5 in Reading and Writing.
   • Canadian Language Benchmark Placement Test (CLB PT): test must be within the last six months: Listening 7, Speaking 7, Reading 6 and Writing 6. Note: A CLB Report Card from a LINC Program may also be accepted.
   • Canadian English Language Proficiency Index Program (CELPIP): Academic or General: Aggregate score of 4l or better, with 4l or better in Speaking and Listening and 3H or better in Reading and Writing.  General CELPIP 7 or better in Speaking and Listening and CELPIP 6 in Reading and Writing.
   • Canadian Academic English Language Assessment (CAEL): overall score of 60, with no section less than 50. Scores valid for one year.
   • Accuplacer cut score of grade 11 or higher, recommended cut scores: reading 236, writing 234, writeplacer 4.
2. FOODSAFE:  All students must present evidence of current FOODSAFE level 1 prior to entering classes.  
3. CPR Level C: Applicants must provide evidence of successful completion of CPR level C no more than 12 months before admission.
4. First Aid: Applicants must provide evidence of successful completion of a First Aid course no more than 12 months before admission. 
5. Criminal Record Check: BC Ministry of Justice type B must be successfully completed and submitted to the CMTN admissions department prior to the start of classes. Instructions and forms are provided with you admissions package. Failure to provide a clearance letter by the deadline noted in your admissions package will result in a cancellation of the applicant’s admission application.
   
   Please note: Any changes to your criminal record status or events occurring that will impact your criminal record must be reported in writing to the program Dean. Some events may impact your ability to attend clinical or practicum settings. The implications of failing to report changes, as a student, can result in program failure.
6. Proof of Current Immunizations / Vaccinations/TB skin test: 
   Applicants are asked to provide evidence of meeting current immunizations and vaccinations as per health authority policies / guidelines.
   
   Please note: Northern Health Authority’s policy may prohibit you from working during an influenza epidemic if you have not been vaccinated against influenza (“the flu”). As well, if there is a certain outbreak of certain infectious diseases, you may be required to present documentation of your immunization status to a clinical agency before allowing to be present. If you have not been immunized, you may be prevented from entering clinical in case of an outbreak and therefore unable to complete your clinical/practicum hours for the program.
   
   Copies may not be made of documents once they are inside student files, therefore, please  ensure you have a copy of all records before turning them in.

Career opportunities